Robert "Bob" Norton

Robert L. Norton, 93, of Annwan, IL, passed away on August 13, 2025, at Hillcrest Home-Geneseo. Per his wishes, a private family graveside service will be held at Annawan Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Annawan Community United Methodist Church or the Annawan-Alba Fire and Rescue. Online condolences may be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com.

Bob was born in Neponset, IL, on December 19, 1931, the son of John Ward and Anna Ruth (Armstrong) Norton. He graduated from Neponset High School and enlisted in the United States Army in 1952, serving two years during the Korean War. He came home and married Barbara Moon on June 27, 1954. She preceded him in death on November 8, 2023, after 69 years of marriage. Bob had several jobs after returning home and then started his own insurance agency, Bob Norton Insurance Agency, in 1961, which is still operating to this day. He and Barbara were members of the Annawan Community United Methodist Church. He enjoyed traveling with Barbara, sitting on the screened porch, and taking car rides through the countryside. He also loved watching sports, working on his rental homes doing the painting and carpentry work, and especially attending the grandchildren’s school activities.

Those left to cherish his memory are children; Sue DeSmith of Annawan, Beth (Marty) DeDecker of Annawan, Karen (Kevin) Curran of Davenport, IA and Jan (Pete Savage) Norton of Annawan; grandchildren; Brooke (Mark) Bomleny, Abby (Cody) Morris, Michael DeDecker, Matthew (Rachel) DeDecker, Molly DeDecker, Brady Curran, Kelly (Patrick) Gerdes and Meghan (Justin) Keen; great grandchildren; Stella, Josie, Ryder, Avery, Wyatt, Parker, Hadley, Meredith and James; one sister, Pat Henson; and one sister-in-law, Sue Norton.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Norton; parents, John and Anna Norton; brothers; Ward D. Norton, Harry Norton, and Clarence Norton; and sister, Josephine “Jo” Verbout.